Connecting Readers and Writers to the Word: National Poetry Month

Spring and the month of April remains to be one of my favorite seasons. During this season, the weather turns warmer, grass and trees turn to green, flowers bloom, and birds sing. But, I also celebrate because it’s Poetry Month! As a young child, I loved writing poems. My teacher exposed me to all genres […]

Connecting Readers and Writers to the Word: African American History

To commemorate and recognize the contributions of African American people, Carter G. Woodson established Black History Week (initially Negro History Week) in 1926. Known as the Father of Black History, Carter G. Woodson felt that in order for Blacks to participate intelligently in the affairs of our country, they should know their past. In 1976, […]

Connecting Readers and Writers to the Word: Christmas in July

As reported in an article, “How a North Carolina Summer Camp Started Christmas in July” written by Maria Carter (7/13/17), the legend of “Christmas in July” began in 1933 at the Keystone Summer Camp for girls, located at Brevard, N. C. Two days, July 24 and 25, were dedicated to this special celebration. Original decorations […]

Connecting Readers and Writers to the Word: National Ice Cream Month

I scream, you scream! We all scream for ice cream! Today, I’d like to lighten the mood from my normal blog posts because during the month of July, we celebrate National Ice Cream Day. It was established by President Ronald Reagan in 1984. Furthermore, July 8 was National Ice Cream Sundae Day. And, the 3rd […]

Connecting Readers and Writers to The Word: Remembering Juneteenth

Juneteenth, the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States, dates back to June 19, 1865, when the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that slaves were free due to the war having ended. Remarkably, this was two and a half years after the official January 1, 1863 […]

Connecting Readers and Writers to the Word: Online Events

I’d like to share a few events that may be of interest to adult readers and writers. Time is of essence in that one “Hello Literacy” event (The Invisible Boy) will be held this Thursday, May 21. While this event was shared with me by a fellow colleague, I not only saw this event through […]

Connecting Readers and Writers to the Word: Digital Books, Book Activities, and More!

All 2020 marketing plans for authors and writers, have changed as a result of COVID-19. Author events; cancelled. Writing conferences; cancelled. Marketing letters to meet with perspective buyers; cancelled. Launch parties; cancelled. All plans cancelled or postponed. We’re now looking for creative ways to market and grow interest in our books. And, I must say, […]

Connecting Readers and Writers to the Word: Celebrating Black History Month

We are now moving into the last half of our celebration of Black History Month. How have you been celebrating, thus far? This month, I’ve applauded African American authors and musicians. What do you know about your favorite African American author(s) or musician(s)? What was their life like as a child? What experiences led them […]